Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified its enforcement against misleading food claims and labelling practices by issuing notices to three food business operators (FBOs) for alleged violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related regulations.
The regulator has directed the companies to submit explanations within seven days and take corrective measures where required.
Heritage Fresh Paneer Pulled Up Over “Fresh” and “Healthy” Claims
FSSAI issued a notice to Heritage Foods Limited regarding its Heritage Fresh Paneer, alleging that the use of the term “Fresh Paneer” does not meet the conditions prescribed under Schedule V for using the word “Fresh.”
The regulator stated that the claim may mislead consumers into believing the product possesses attributes that are not supported under the regulations.
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FSSAI also objected to the use of the word “Healthy” in the trademark “Healthy Happiness”, stating that it could create the impression that the product inherently promotes health, contrary to the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018.
Chocolate Spread Brand Questioned Over “Natural”, “Organic” and “Vegan” Claims
A notice was also issued to La Casa for its Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Spread over claims such as:
- “All Natural”
- “100% Organic”
- “Vegan”
According to FSSAI:
- The “All Natural” claim does not satisfy the prescribed conditions for using the term “Natural.”
- The claims “100% Organic” and “Vegan” were made without obtaining the required organic and vegan endorsements under FSSAI regulations.
- The use of “100%” is not defined under the Food Safety and Standards Act or its associated rules and regulations.
The company has been asked to explain why regulatory action should not be initiated.
Cipzer Nutraceuticals Faces Notice Over Health Claims
FSSAI also issued a notice to Cipzer Nutraceuticals for alleged misleading claims on its Juice Capsules, including:
- “FSSAI Approved”
- “Boost Your Immune System”
- “Remove Toxins From Your Body”
- “Made with Organic Vegetables”
The regulator observed that:
- The phrase “FSSAI Approved” may falsely suggest official endorsement by the regulator.
- Health-related claims lacked scientific substantiation.
- Images of tomato, cucumber and coriander appeared on the packaging despite these ingredients not being listed.
- Vitamin declarations were incomplete, including inadequate disclosure regarding Vitamin E and recommended dietary allowance (RDA) information.
Wider Regulatory Action
The latest notices are part of FSSAI’s broader campaign against misleading advertising and labelling.
In recent months, the regulator has also issued notices to several prominent food companies and brands, including:
- Nestlé India
- KFC
- Flipkart
- Open Secret
FSSAI has additionally served notices to six beverage manufacturers over the use of the term “energy drink” and promotional claims. The companies include:
- Red Bull
- PepsiCo (Adrenaline Rush)
- Reliance Consumer Products Limited (Campa Energy Gold Boost)
- Sting
- Hell Energy
- Monster Energy
According to FSSAI, there is no notified food category called “energy drink” under its regulations, and products cannot be marketed using unsupported category descriptions or unsubstantiated functional claims.
Consumer Protection Focus
FSSAI reiterated that food labels and advertisements must not mislead consumers through unsupported health, nutritional, or quality claims. The regulator emphasized that terms such as “fresh,” “natural,” “healthy,” “organic,” “vegan,” and therapeutic statements can only be used when they fully comply with the applicable provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and related regulations.
The enforcement drive reflects FSSAI’s continued efforts to strengthen transparency in food labelling, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect consumers from deceptive marketing practices.
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